44 Easy Online Business Ideas You Can Start Right Now - NerdWallet (2023)

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, running an online business is a dream that offers the promise of financial security and independence. To help you get started with the process of starting your own online business and gain the flexibility and freedom that comes with it, we've compiled this list of the best online small business ideas. None of these online business ideas require a physical store, and for some ideas, you don't even need to offer a physical product, just a service.

Not to mention, if you work from home, you can set your own hours, be your own boss, and claimhome office tax deductions🇧🇷 So if you're ready to start your dream of becoming an internet entrepreneur, start with this list of online business ideas for beginners and find the one that best suits your talents and interests.

The 44 Best Online Business Ideas

With the immense growth of the internet and technology in general, there is an online business idea out there for everyone, regardless of experience or previous work history. Starting an online business can be one of the fastest, easiest, and cheapest ways to start a business in general, especially when all you need is a laptop and an Internet connection.

As working from home has become more popular in corporate cultures around the world, entrepreneurs have been inspired to launch their careers and start businesses for themselves. Also, if you're not totally set on going all out with your online business, many of these ideas can be started part-time, and as you build your sideline, you can be successful enough tobecome a full time gig.

1. Social Media Marketing

If you have a knack for getting likes, favorites, retweets, followers, shares, comments, and clicks, consider a career in social media marketing. By consulting with businesses to manage their social media profiles, promote their content across the web, keep their brands on track, and answer customer inquiries, you can turn your favorite hobby into your day job.

2. SEO consulting

Maybe you are a professional in SEO or search engine optimization. If you have a lot of skill and experience getting websites to rank high on Google, and you know how to convert searchers into customers, there are many companies willing to pay handsomely for your help.

Whether it's editing meta tags, regularly updating the company blog, or researching smart keywords to rank high, a good SEO consultant working with a solid SEO strategy can drastically change the look and feel of a company's website for search engine users, and only some positions. on Google can make a big difference in traffic numbers. In short, it can have a huge impact on a company's bottom line, which means this online business idea is in high demand.

3. Freelance design

Do you have an eye for aesthetics? Did you go to art school or did you always spend your spare time designing posters in Photoshop or Illustrator?

If so, and if you're interested in finding the job on this online small business ideas list that's right for you, freelance design might be a good fit. Take on clients at your own pace, build a good reputation online and by word of mouth, and work on projects that sound interesting to you - freelancing has many advantages.

Take a look at sites likeupworkand Behance to find the right jobs to enjoy the freedom of an independent lifestyle.

4. Independent Writing

If you're good with words, you canbecome a freelance writer🇧🇷 As long as you have an internet connection and a keyboard, you can contribute blog posts.

It is helpful if you have a special area of ​​interest or expertise so that your employers know that you are qualified to comment on certain topics. However, the most important factor will always be your writing. Can you write clearly? Do you take the time and effort to really understand what you are talking about? Are you attracting the right readers? If you are confident in your writing skills, this online business idea is ideal.

5. Write eBooks

If company blog posts aren't your thing, consider writing and publishing eBooks. With Amazon and other sites, self-publishing has never been easier than it is today. If you think you have something interesting or useful to say, and you think other people will too, writing eBooks can become a lucrative business.

With eBooks, you don't need to create, print, or submit your work. Just write, market, publish and sell - to anyone in the world. Plus, since you publish the book yourself, you get a bigger share of the profit when the eBook takes off. Of course, you'll need to learn how to properly format an eBook, pay for cover design and editing services, and figure out an effective marketing strategy, but luckily, there are plenty of examples to learn from.

6. Translation

If you're a great writer but not that into publishing original material, we still have some easy online business ideas for you. If you are fluent in several languages, for example, translating could be the ideal job. You can do it wherever you want, as long as you have the text you are working on and understand the purpose of the translation.

7. Edition

Publishing comes in many shapes and sizes, from editing a company's marketing materials to reviewing novels to indexing scholarly manuscripts. As long as you have an eye for detail, a good grasp of grammar, and a willingness to play in the weeds, publishing can be a great business idea if you're interested in working when and how you want.

8. Write a blog

While a blog isn't exactly a business, it can definitely support any of these online business ideas you choose.

Freelance writer or designer? Show your skills in each post. Are you interested in coding, photography and video, fitness, food, or anything else? Show your knowledge by writing excellent articles on these topics.

The more people trust your authority, the more they will read, and the broader your audience, the easier it will be to grow your blogging business. Even if you're still deciding which of these online business ideas to pursue,starting a blogIt's never a bad idea, as you'll establish an online presence to build on.

9. Independent investigation

Freelance research is another smart online business idea that allows you to work from anywhere, on your own terms. You don't have to be a gifted writer or born designer, just hardworking and aware of how to find what you need.

Whether you're gathering research papers tocompetes the market studioWhether you're answering tough technical questions on forums or analyzing statistics to spot trends, you'll be doing invaluable work for your clients—and doing it for a great price—with the freedom to work the way you want.

10. Freelance Web Design and Coding

Have you noticed a trend yet? Many jobs that you can do in an office for a company, you can also do for many different clients when and how you want.

If you're a software engineer, the benefits of working at a startup or tech giant are considerable, but if you invest more in flexibility, project diversity, taking on work at your own pace, and the freedom of being your own boss, coding Freelancing is one of the best online home based business ideas. If you're into web design, a particularly popular freelance coding category, or another type of software development, it shouldn't be too much of a challenge to find clients you're interested in helping.

In addition, you can also act as a software consultant, offering your critical eye and expertise without programming.

11. Software and application development

Want to take freelance coding to the next level of entrepreneurship? Instead of helping customers, you can work on your own apps, programs, extensions, and plugins. Whether you're selling your work on the App Store or making money from ads, or you're hanging out for the long haul and hoping to be bought out by a bigger company, the money you make will be a direct result of your hard work and ingenuity. . .

Unlike the typical freelancer, however, this one is a little harder to crack. It's not so easy to have a predictable revenue stream until your app has already been launched and sold, and by then you'll have invested a lot of time and energy. So before you make a financial mistake as a freelancer, you need to make sure that there is a market for the product you are creating and that people are willing to pay for it.

That being said, the gains can be big. Could your project be the next Minecraft or Angry Birds? There is only one way to find out.

12. Photography

For those talented in photography, you too canturn your passion into a paycheck🇧🇷 Stock photo sites like Shutterstock and iStock will give you a commission on the photos you sell, so if you're comfortable sharing your lenses with millions of people, this is an easy and convenient way to fund your freedom.

Also, if you have a particular talent, you may want to sell your photos on more exclusive sites with higher commission rates, or even on your own website or internet store.

13. Business training

You'll need a good track record and a variety of testimonials to back it up, but the business coaching industry is on the rise, so now is the time to get involved. You can charge anywhere from under $100 to several times that, depending on your credentials and effectiveness, and it's perfectly acceptable to train over the phone or video chat rather than face-to-face.

So if you're interested in fixing other businesses and getting paid for it, check out this online business idea.

14. University consulting

Around $40,000 per course: That's how much some college coaches make just by advising students and their families on how to get into their dream schools.

While this is more the exception than the rule, college consulting is a lucrative business, and it can be done over the phone or via video chat. You probably want to have gone to one of the best colleges (to "prove" to parents that you know what you're talking about), and you should have good writing skills, since college applications rely heavily on personal statements and other writings. 🇧🇷

College consulting can also include financial aid planning, which means you'll need to be familiar with government grant programs, different financial aid policies, and possible scholarship opportunities.

15. Tutoring

If you like online business ideas for beginners that revolve around calling or video chatting with clients to help them with various problems, then starting a tutoring business is another avenue to consider.

For those studious entrepreneurs who score high on standardized tests, understand how to teach the best test-taking strategies, and know their material inside and out, tutoring can make a lot of money without a lot of effort. The better your results, the higher your reputation, which means you can charge more per hour, session or package.

Plus, with these online small business ideas (business coaching, college consulting, and mentoring), you're essentially spending your time and energy helping others achieve some of life's most important goals. Coupled with the freedom to work from anywhere you want, this is a very attractive job.

16. Online Fitness Trainer

“Online fitness training” may sound like an oxymoron, but it's a real industry, and if you're interested in online business ideas, don't forget it.

If fitness and health are your passion, serving as a fitness trainer for clients can be a rewarding career. However, you have to keep in mind that training people online is much more difficult than being there with them. Without much coaching experience, even potential clients may not seem trustworthy to you.

There's always the opportunity to travel to clients locally instead of running a business entirely online, but this might not be your path. Or you can make up for your lack of personal presence with a greater focus on nutrition education.

17. Ecommerce Store

One of the most common online business ideas, starting an eCommerce store is relatively easy and inexpensive, at least compared to opening a physical store.

If you're handy or creative, you can create your products and sell them on sites like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay, right from your home. The biggest challenge would be getting discovered, depending on your niche and how viral your products are. But luckily, there are plenty of tips available to help you, from pricing your work appropriately to taking the best possible photo.

18. Online second-hand store

Maybe you don't like crafts, but the idea of ​​an online store still appeals to you?Online thrift stores and consignment stores, like thredUP, are a model you can follow to achieve this goal. There are other companies that scour sites like eBay to find cool, unique, and interesting items and then present them in enticing ways. Good copywriting and strong branding can go a long way to set you apart from the crowd here.

So if you're more into curing than creating, these kinds of easy online business ideas would be a solid choice.

19. Affiliate Marketing

Social media gurus, take note: You don't have to be a consultant to benefit from your social media skills.

Instead, companies can pay you to feature products on their blog, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or other social channels. The higher your profile, the greater the impact of your brand recommendation and the more you earn from product placement. As long as your fans aren't put off by this advertising, affiliate marketing, sometimes called influencer marketing, is a way to use your social media skills to your advantage.

Also, like any other online business idea, you can be an affiliate marketer from anywhere you want, with the freedom and flexibility to choose your own hours and be your own boss.

20. Sale of domains on the Internet

Dealing with Internet domains is like buying and selling real estate, except you can do it from your home computer. Here's the bottom line: Some Internet domain names are more popular, sought after, and valuable than others. Successful Internet domain name buyers buy high-value domains at a low price in online auctions after much thought and research, and then sell them to the highest bidder for a handsome profit. For example, www.hotels.com was sold for $11 million in 2001.

To make a living selling domains, you really need to devote your time, energy, and attention to the market. You can't just buy domain names at random, or you'll be left with a bunch of sites that nobody wants. Instead, you'll need to research the SEO optimization of the sites you see up for auction, predict which companies and industries will be looking for new domains, and get creative with standard names that you can buy for cheap but convert around easily. Also, patience is a virtue: it can take months, or even years, to get the right price for some of the domains you've purchased.

But the advantage of this online business idea, of course, is that it is 100% online. It's just you and your computer.

21. Bookkeeping or bookkeeping

Despite entering the industry as a virtual companyaccountant or accountantIt can be difficult due to competition from foreign contractors, there are companies that offer these services. You could also take your current clients, if you're already operating as an accountant, and offer to reduce their costs by working from home or remotely elsewhere.

Of course, online business ideas like these require formal training and certification, but if you're a dedicated and proven accountant, it shouldn't be impossible to work online most (if not all) of the time.

22. Telemercadeo

If you're a natural conversationalist who enjoys helping others, virtual telemarketing is another good online small business idea to consider. Many companies outsource part of their sales and customer service team; so if you don't mind working on your phone at home or on the go, try this option.

23. Online personal assistant

Organized. Efficient. Hungry to live life on your own schedule.

If these three things describe you, then think aboutbecome a virtual assistant🇧🇷 Exactly what you'll be doing depends on your skills, experience and network, but you can expect tasks from data entry to client management, research, programming and much more. And of course, like all online business ideas, you can do it from anywhere.

24. Data entry

Although it doesn't pay the best, data entry is an online business idea that you can easily work on from home. If you're looking for a job that doesn't require a lot of time or attention on your part and where you can earn a predictable income while you're at home or on the road, data entry is a good place to start.

25. Stock or currency trading

How to sell domain names on the Internet,stock tradingit could be a casual online hobby or a career. If you're willing to invest the time and have the talent to do in-depth research and predict trends, you can turn this side hustle into a full-time job.

operating as astandard day traderit requires you to keep $25,000 in your account at all times, so if that barrier to entry is too high, consider trading the forex or forex markets.

That said, stock trading doesn't offer as much flexibility as many of the other online business ideas here. While you can work from home and be your own boss if you trade stocks or currencies on your own, it's still a high-commitment job with long hours and a steep learning curve. You will need to take the time to understand all of the different business requirements, systems and regulations that you will be interacting with.

26. Transcription

For an easier online business idea that requires no prior knowledge or experience other than the ability to type quickly, you may want to consider transcription. Offering transcription services online can take many forms: you can transcribe audio interviews for reporters, create subtitles for TV shows and videos, or develop transcribed versions of podcasts.

While this may not be the most lucrative idea on our list, it is a good place to start freelancing and gives you the freedom to work where and when you want.

27. Travel planning

Do you love to travel? Have you been to various places and have a network of connections around the world? If traveling is your passion, consider starting aonline travel planning business🇧🇷 You can help clients plan all aspects of their trip, from flights to hotels and things to do. You can work on itineraries, food, currency exchange and safety advice, and serve as the point of contact between your clients and any international contacts.

Plus, not only can you operate your travel planning business from home, but you can also do it on the go. And more travel will help him grow his business as he'll see new places, meet potential customers and make new connections. You can even start a travel blog or photography website to complement your planning business.

28. Cybersecurity and computer consulting

If you have a technical background but aren't specifically interested in coding or app development, then this could be one of the best online business ideas for you. As a cybersecurity consultant, you can work with companies of all sizes to assess their systems, run tests, and offer advice on how to improve their configuration.

On the other hand, if you prefer something broader, consider simply acting as an IT consultant, helping companies or individuals with their technology, helping them configure it, troubleshooting any issues, and offering general operating advice.

Again, with the right computer setup, you can run your cybersecurity or IT consulting business from anywhere. If you wish, you can also decide to travel to different offices to receive timely assistance from the on-site system.

29. Online therapy

With the rise of companies like TalkSpace and BetterHelp, you no longer need to have your own office or practice to counsel patients, you can do it virtually. While this online business idea requires proper credentials and education, a tech-inclined therapist looking to reach a new group of patients can easily get up and running.

If you are a counselor, therapist, or psychologist, you may decide to explore theonline therapy spaceJoin one of these startups or start your own business. By doing online counseling, you'll reach new patients, giving them more freedom and flexibility, and you'll have a bit of a treat for yourself.

30. Public Relations Consulting

If you are well versed in business branding and marketing, and know the best ways for businesses to communicate with their audiences online, then you can start an online PR consulting business. You can help businesses with their online presence, including social media accounts, press releases, web content and more, as well as advise them on campaigns, initiatives and overall public image.

As an independent public relations consultant, your hours and responsibilities may vary and depend on the specific client you are working with; however, you will certainly have more control over your work than you would as part of a public relations company or agency.

31. podcasts

Ten years ago, many people didn't even know what a podcast was, but now, the podcast industry has exploded, with newspapers, radio stations, and even ordinary people jumping on the bandwagon. If you have a good story to tell or something you think you could talk about often that people would love to hear, you might consider doing a podcast.

Podcasting, of course, can be done from anywhere as long as you have the proper audio equipment. You can submit your content to various podcast apps, websites, and market your business on social media.

32. Life Coaching

Looking for the item on this list of online small business ideas that allow you to help people by offering advice and guidance without the extensive education of a medical professional? How's it goinglife lesson🇧🇷 While you need a certification to become a life coach, you have much more freedom to find your niche and decide how you can help people through life's ups and downs.

Plus, as a life coach, you can create your own digital brand to offer your clients additional resources beyond traditional phone or video chat meetings. With the vastness of the Internet at your fingertips, you can easily fulfill your desire to help others with this online business idea, while still having your own flexibility.

33. Video Production

Video is another item on our list of online business ideas that you might be interested in, especially if you are creative or have experience in digital production. With the emphasis on video on social media and other sites these days, this is certainly a trend you'll want to jump on while you can. That being said, as a video producer, you can work with different clients across multiple industries to shoot, cut, and edit videos to create the perfect final product.

While video production can be technical, it can also give you the opportunity to explore a unique storytelling medium and exercise your creativity. Plus, if you're new to video, there are plenty of resources available online to teach you and help you through the process.

34. Digital advertising

Are you familiar with the world of "cost per click" and the ever-changing Facebook algorithm? If you have experience with the inner workings of online advertising, from websites to social media platforms to email campaigns, consider starting this online home business idea.

As a digital advertising consultant, clients can hire you to monetize their online platforms and manage all their advertising campaigns. While this space is constantly evolving, it has become increasingly important to businesses, especially those that operate predominantly online. You can offer your advertising expertise from anywhere and work with clients exclusively via email or phone.

35. Resume Writing and Career Preparation

Whether you have a background in human resources or just know how to craft the perfect resume, consider starting an online resume writing and career coaching business. You can offer advice and guidance to clients on their careers, job applications, resumes, and cover letters. LinkedIn is a great place to start with this type of online business idea, as many professionals look to LinkedIn for professional help.

And of course, all conversations with your customers can be done via chat, email, or phone, giving you the ability to work from anywhere and choose your own hours.

36. Drop Shipping

If you don't want to take the responsibility of creating your own products to sell, you might considerstart a dropshipping business🇧🇷 With this type of eCommerce operation, you can choose products from vendors and then sell them online. You can create your own website, develop your own process, and dictate every part of your online business.

You can start by exploring dropshipping markets or by trying to work directly with manufacturers and importers. As ecommerce continues to grow, there will be no shortage of opportunities in the dropshipping space.

37. Online Recruitment

Do you have the knack of finding the right people to fill the vacancies? If you are someone who enjoys dealing with people and has good online research skills, consider this job on our list of small business ideas online - recruiting. As an online recruiter, you would serve different companies looking to hire new employees and help them find and select candidates.

As much of the company's recruitment process has gone online, this type of service will not be lacking, especially for smaller companies that do not have a large HR team or the resources and time to adequately dedicate to it. the selection.

38. Marketing consultancy

Marketing is an art, and if you have skills or experience with any type of marketing campaigns, consider offering consulting services as an online business. As a marketing consultant, you can provide guidance on a wide range of topics, depending on your specific expertise, and help businesses execute their marketing strategies and campaigns.

From email marketing strategy to event planning to website branding, businesses will always have marketing needs and your online business can be there to help.

39. Online Grant or Fundraiser

Do you have a cause you are passionate about? Or maybe you're just passionate about helping mission-based businesses, especially nonprofits, get the support they need to achieve their goals. If any of these scenarios apply to you, you should consider raising funds or giving grants as a business. With these online businesses, you would be working with clients who need help with their fundraising campaigns: finding potential donors, promoting the business and its goals, and ultimately trying to raise funds.

Or, if you want to extend fundraising from person to person, you can work with clients to research and write grant applications and try to get the funds they need that way.

40. Online course delivery

Is there a topic you are particularly knowledgeable about? American history? Tax forms? He drew? If you have a camera and a computer, you can start an online course teaching business. You can find information about just about anything online, but sometimes when you're trying to learn a specific skill or topic, it helps to hear or see someone explain it. Your course teaching business would capitalize on this need by providing an educational service to your targeted audience.

Also, if you have an advanced degree or teaching experience, you can work with an online course service, which will hire you to deliver online courses to their students.

41. Online Cooking Instruction

Do you have an affinity for cooking or baking? Showing off your skills online through virtual cooking classes is a great way to earn money while doing something you love. There are many ways to structure your cooking business: you can offer one-on-one how-to videos, host live classes, and even create cooking workshops and shows.

This simple business idea can even be translated into a cooking blog, ebooks, cookbooks, and links to your favorite cooking and baking supplies through affiliate marketing.

42. Canal de YouTube

If you are passionate about a topic, chances are there is a niche and readers looking for the content you want to share. One way to promote your new brand, service, or message is to create a YouTube channel. If you're comfortable in front of the camera, have a place where you can film, and love the idea of ​​reaching millions on the internet, then YouTube might be the platform for you.

Your channel may take some time to grow and you may need to network on social media and blogging platforms at first, but with dedication you can comfortably make a living this way.

43. Dubbing work

If you are looking for an online business idea that you can start from home, quickly and easily, then you may decide to start your own voice over business. All you need is a decent microphone, basic sound editing software, and the ability to lend your voice to ad agencies, production companies, and anyone else looking for a voiceover.

To get started, you can sign up with a freelance voice-over site like Voices.com and start looking for the right opportunities. Plus, once you get your foot in the door, you'll have some great clips to show off to potential future customers.

44. Build a team

If you have been working as a freelancer or running your own company for a while, you may be ready to take the plunge and form your own team of consultants, freelancers, specialists, etc.

For example, if you have years of writing and editing experience and find new clients quickly, you can increase the number of opportunities you can hire by hiring a team of freelancers to help grow your business.

the bottom line

At the end of the day, these online business ideas aren't just ways to escape the office lifestyle. Instead, they offer the kind of freedom most people don't get the opportunity to experience: managing yourself, setting your own hours and goals, and taking responsibility for your work in the most meaningful way. That said, while starting an online business can give you unique flexibility, it also means working hard to find clients, market your services, and maintain a steady cash flow.

Online businesses are not for everyone. If you're considering any of the items on this list of online business ideas for beginners, there's no better time to start. By exploring the different possibilities, finding a startup idea that works for you, researching ahead of time, and executing an effective business plan, you'll be well on your way to a successful lifestyle most people only dream of.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.